Diagnosing celiac disease has traditionally been hard because some of its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, and depression. However, scientists have made a lot of progress in diagnosis and have realized that people with celiac disease have a higher level of antibodies in the blood than normal. Antibodies are produced by the immune system when it perceives a threatening substance. Therefore a test of the level of antibodies in the blood is used to diagnose celiac disease. Physicians test blood to measure the levels of antibodies as the first step of celiac treatment.

The present known treatment for celiac disease() is a strict gluten-free diet, which is necessary to keep for a lifetime in order to be effective. But reasons a gluten-free diet works are complicated. People who experience celiac disease can't tolerate a protein called gluten, and once the immune system perceives this substance, it will respond by damaging the small intestine. There are tiny protrusions called villi on the lining of the small intestine which are the channels through which nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. And if the intestine is attacked, so are those villi. Without villi, people will lose the ability to absorb nutrients, and will become malnourished. So celiac disease can be treated with the gluten-fee diet.

Gluten, which can be found in wheat, rye, and barley, has been identified as the main trigger of celiac disease symptoms. A well-balanced gluten-free diet is a must for those suffering from celiac disease(). As it is a completely new approach to eating and will last a lifetime, those on the diet need to be extremely careful. It may take several weeks or even months to adapt yourself fully to a gluten-free diet. Consulting a dietician who can help you make food choices can be very helpful. A gluten-free diet usually will minimize symptoms of celiac disease and prevent long-term damage to the small intestine or other complications. Ongoing treatment is crucial. You still need to see a physician yearly for monitoring even if your symptoms are being controlled by a gluten-free diet.

Research has indicated that a gluten-free diet is an effective treatment of celiac(). Most patients find their symptoms have been improved after discontinuing consumption of gluten. While in older people, the process may last for two or three years, in children, the result is especially dramatic. Some children may recover within a few weeks. So celiac disease can be controlled completely by removing gluten from the diet.